EAKC Marks 10 Years of Coordinating the Promotion of Kiswahili for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development,
East African Kiswahili Commission, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 3rd February, 2026: The East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC), a specialized institution of the East African Community (EAC), will commemorate its 10th Anniversary on 14th February, 2026 at its Headquarters in Zanzibar. The commemoration will mark a decade of transformation and impact in the execution of its mandate of coordinating the promotion of Kiswahili for regional integration and sustainable development. Since its operationalization in July 2015, the EAKC has made significant contribution in the development and use of Kiswahili at national, regional and global levels. The tenth anniversary provides a strategic moment to reflect on achievements, address challenges and reimagine Kiswahili for the next phase of regional integration and sustainable development.
The 10th Anniversary celebrations will be held under the theme: “A Decade of Kiswahili: Strengthening Integration, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in the EAC.” This theme underscores the fact that Kiswahili sits at the intersection of regional integration, innovation and sustainable development. More than being a medium of communication, Kiswahili is a strategic resource that enables regional integration and contributes to innovation and sustainable development in the EAC. The language fosters a sense of regional belonging and the language facilitates many citizens of EAC to understand the regional agenda and own the integration project through shared identity, cross-border trade, labour mobility, cultural exchange and active inclusive participation in communication.
Key objectives of EAKC’s Tenth Anniversary are to: Reflect on achievements over the last decade; honour EAC Partner States, partners and stakeholders; Showcase impact and lessons learned; and reimagine futures of Kiswahili in EAC and elsewhere where the language is used.
Over the past decade, EAKC has achieved significant milestones in the development and use of Kiswahili as a soft infrastructure for EAC integration. Beyond the EAC, EAKC has collaborated with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and UNESCO in advancing the status, use, and international recognition of Kiswahili. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on these achievements, engage key stakeholders, and chart strategic priorities for the future development of the language in the region and beyond. The Celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on achievements realized, the status of Kiswahili in EAC Partner States and beyond, and think and strategize for the future of the language in a world dominated by digital technologies that include Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Kiswahili is a development enabler that cuts across Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like education, health, climate action and reduced inequalities. By bringing together an array of stakeholders, the tenth anniversary will examine strategic implications for planning, institutionalization, investment and mainstreaming the language in EAC and beyond.
Planned activities include Anniversary Address, Institutional milestones and impact assessment, Keynote Lecture, documentary, High-Level discussions, recognition and awards, poetry and music.
It is expected that the anniversary will result into renewed political and institutional commitment to Kiswahili in EAC; A clear strategic roadmap for the development and use of Kiswahili in the EAC for the next ten years; increased visibility of Kiswahili at national, regional, continental and global levels; and Strengthened networks and partnerships among Kiswahili stakeholders; and a Policy Brief.
As the East African Kiswahili Commission marks this important milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to advancing Kiswahili as a catalyst for unity, innovation, economic opportunity, and shared identity across East Africa and the global community.
For more information, please contact:
Executive Secretary
East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC)
Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.